It depends on the property. Florida Statute 553.885 requires CO detectors in buildings permitted after July 1, 2008 that have gas appliances, a fireplace, or an attached garage. But most municipal STR ordinances require them regardless of building age. In practice, you should install them in every property.
Florida Statute 553.885 is the governing law. It requires an approved, operational carbon monoxide alarm within 10 feet of each room used for sleeping purposes. The alarm can be hard-wired or battery-powered, and combination CO/smoke alarms satisfy the requirement.
But there's a critical scope limitation: the statute only applies to buildings where the building permit was issued on or after July 1, 2008. It also only applies to buildings that contain at least one of these CO sources:
F.S. 553.885 does not retroactively apply to existing buildings undergoing renovations. It only applies to new construction or additions that extend floor area, story count, or building height.
| Scenario | State law | In practice |
|---|---|---|
| Post-2008 build, has gas appliances | Required | Required |
| Post-2008 build, all-electric, no garage | Not required | Check local ordinance |
| Pre-2008 build, has gas appliances | Not required by state | Required by most municipalities |
| Pre-2008 build, all-electric | Not required | Check local ordinance |
Even if your specific property doesn't technically require CO detectors under state law, three factors make them a baseline for any professionally managed vacation rental:
Per F.S. 553.885, CO alarms must be installed within 10 feet of each room used for sleeping purposes. They can be hard-wired or battery-powered. Combination smoke/CO alarms satisfy both the smoke alarm and CO alarm requirements simultaneously.
CO detectors have a shorter lifespan than smoke alarms. Most expire after 5-7 years (check the manufacture date on the back of the unit). Your turnover team should verify CO detectors are present and functional between every guest.
Full reference Florida Smoke & CO Detector Requirements for Vacation Rentals (2026)Florida Statute 553.885 (fetched and verified April 2026)